Interactive Color Center Display Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A display unit comprising a plurality of display modules arranged in a row and having an upper display section and a lower display section. One of the display modules includes an interactive Kiosk, and a second of the display modules includes at least one computer controlled card reading video station. A consumer may pass a coded paint color sample card past a code reader in the video station and is thereafter presented with a display of a color present on the sample card followed by a selectable sequence of video display screens, which may comprise part of a color selection application program.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/100,175, entitled “InteractiveColor Center Display Apparatus,” filed on May 3, 2011, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/330,505,filed on May 3, 2010, entitled “Interactive Color Center DisplayApparatus,” the contents of both of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND Field

The subject disclosure relates to display systems and in one embodiment,to a large merchandising display for presenting, advertising andpromoting paint and other coating products in a retail environment andproviding product information to consumers and others.

SUMMARY

An illustrative display unit embodiment includes a plurality of displaymodules arranged in a single row and having an upper display section anda lower display section. One of the display modules may comprise aninteractive Kiosk comprising a touch sensitive interactive displayscreen permitting a user to selectively access a variety of colorselection and/or transmission features.

A second of the display modules may include at least one card readingvideo station wherein a consumer may pass a coded paint color samplecard past a code reader. The consumer is thereafter presented with adisplay of a color present on the sample card followed by a selectablesequence of video display screens, which may comprise part of a colorselection application program.

A third of the display modules may comprise a whole home displayincluding a computer controlled video monitor allowing a consumer tovisually walk through a home and illustrating how colors for the roomsof the home may be coordinated.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first interactive color center displayembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the structure of the display of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the structure of the display of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the frame structure of the display ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of cabinet components of the display ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a partially assembled frame structure ofthe embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a core color center portion of theembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a scanner and video monitor assemblyof the core color center of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a combo card section of the core colorcenter of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a combo card section of the core color centerof the FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a color combo card;

FIG. 12 is a perspective of a color combo card and peg on which ithangs;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a brochure section of the core colorcenter of FIG. 7;

FIG. 14 is a front view of a “whole home section” of the display of FIG.1;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a “whole home section” of the displayof FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a front view of a “PPUI” section of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a second color center displayembodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the displayof FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the displayof FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a support component of the structure ofFIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the support component of the structure of FIG.18;

FIG. 22 is a perspective of the core color center display of theembodiment of FIG. 16;

FIG. 23 is a side sectional view of the display of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a brochure section of the display ofFIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a front view of an illustrative PPUI embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a front view of a color combo card;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an illustrative main Kiosk embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a system block diagram of interactive components of thedisplay;

FIG. 29 illustrates an initial attract loop display screen of anillustrative color center monitor (“POD”) interactive application;

FIG. 30 illustrates an instructional display screen of the PODapplication;

FIG. 31 illustrates a “quick preview” display screen;

FIG. 32 illustrates a selection display screen;

FIG. 33 illustrates a “paint photo” display screen;

FIG. 34 illustrates a “modify color” display screen;

FIG. 35 illustrates a color chip display screen;

FIG. 36 illustrates a “send colors and image” display screen;

FIG. 37 illustrates a text message display screen;

FIG. 38 illustrates a text confirmation display screen;

FIG. 39 illustrates an email display screen;

FIG. 40 illustrates an email confirmation display screen;

FIG. 41 illustrates an informational attract loop display screen of anillustrative Kiosk monitor interactive application;

FIG. 42 illustrates a “how to” display screen of the illustrative Kioskapplication;

FIG. 43 illustrates a “send video” display screen;

FIG. 44 illustrates a text message display screen;

FIG. 45 illustrates a text confirmation display screen;

FIG. 46 illustrates an email display screen;

FIG. 47 illustrates a email confirmation display screen;

FIG. 48 illustrates a product categories display screen;

FIG. 49 illustrates an initial interior paints display screen;

FIG. 50 illustrates a premium plus display screen;

FIG. 51 illustrates a “where to use” display screen;

FIG. 52 illustrates a premium plus application display screen;

FIG. 53-58 illustrate display screens which comprise an interactiveproduct quiz;

FIG. 59-62 illustrate respective “find my style” display screens of anillustrative Kiosk application; and

FIG. 63 illustrates a “modern style” display screen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A double wall display 11 is shown in FIG. 1. The display 11 includes afirst rectangular wall section 13 and a second rectangular wall section15. Between the wall sections 13, 15 is positioned a Kiosk section 17.The Kiosk section 17 includes an upper section 51, and a lower section53. The lower section 53 includes an interactive display screen 55

The first wall section 13 includes two generally rectangular upperdisplay panels 19, 21 and four lower displays 23, 25, 27, 29, whichcomprise, respectively, a wood stain center (EWCC) 23, an “S1” center25, a “whole home” center 27 and a “premium plus ultra” paintinformation (“PPUI”) center 29.

The second wall section 15 includes two upper generally rectangulardisplay areas 31, 33 and two lower displays 35, 37. The lower displays35, 37 comprise a core paint color center display 35 and a third partydisplay 37, which may be, for example, a display of third party colorchips, such as Disney. Above each of the lower display sections 23, 25,27, 29, 35, 37 is positioned a generally rectangular light box e.g. 70,arranged to illuminate the displays which lie beneath them.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the display structure in further detail. As shown,the upper rectangular displays, e.g. 19, may supported by a structure 56comprising a vertical header 57, which may display suitable graphics, aswell as a recessed back panel 59, with an angled end portion 61 leadinginto a vertical footer 62.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper displays are attached to andsupported by horizontal tubing 63, 65, (FIG. 6) which attach to upperframe panels 67, which in turn are attached to lower cabinet sidewalls.The lower cabinets are illustrated in further detail in FIG. 5 and, inthe illustrative embodiment, comprise an EWCC lower body 71, an S-1lower body 73, a whole home lower body 75, a PPUI lower body 77, a Kiosklower body 79, right and left core lower body sections 81, 83 and athird party display lower body 85. The respective displays identified inconnection with FIG. 1 are mounted in their respective cabinet sectionsof FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment for supporting the upper signageframes. The structure of FIG. 6 includes upper frame sidewalls 67attached to respective lower cabinet side walls 68, as well as thehorizontally extending tubing 63, 65, mounted or attached to the uppersidewalls 67 and various light boxes, e.g. 70. One of the upper displaysupport structures 56 is shown attached to the tubing 63, 65 in finishedposition in FIG. 6. Steel angles 109 may be used to attach the lower end62 of signage display 21 to a lower horizontal tube 65.

FIGS. 7-13 illustrate one embodiment of a core color center display 35.The core display 35 includes a number of display sections 111, 112 etc.positioned within cabinets 81, 83 and resting on first and second bases121, 123.

One embodiment of a display section 111 is illustrated further in FIG. 8and includes a computer controlled video monitor 125 and a cooperatingcard reader or scanner 127, as well as four rows of color cards 128 andsix sheen samples 130. On one side of each display section 111 islocated a second display section 112, illustrated in further detail inFIGS. 9-10. Each display section 112 includes a number of rows 131, eachhaving 3 color cards 133, each card 133 suspended by a peg hook 134mounted in a back portion of the display section 112. Below the firsttwo rows 131 of color cards 133 is positioned a literature holder orpouch 135. Each card 133 has respective rounded or oval top and bottomsurface 136, 138.

The core display 35 further includes a number of side load paint displaycard sections 114 and a brochure section 116, shown in further detail inFIG. 13. Overlapping side load pockets 141 are positioned in a centerrow of the illustrative brochure section, while the remaining four rowsinclude top loading pocket 143, with respective juxtaposed side frontretaining panels 145.

An illustrative whole home section 151 is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Thewhole home section 151 includes an acutely angled card receptacle 153resting on a base 154 positioned within the cabinet 75. The whole homesection 151 includes four rectangular arrays 155, 156, 157, 158 of colorcard receptacles, e.g. 159, disposed to vertically position respectivecolor cards. Each rectangular array 155, 156, 157, 158 may be devoted tocolor cards matching a particular theme such as contemporary, modern,eclectic and casual. A computer controlled display monitor 161 iscentrally positioned in the display 151, adjacent the lower innercorners of the upper card receptacle arrays 155, 156 and the uppercorners of lower card receptacle arrays 157, 158. Collateral materialholders 163 may also be positioned above and below the central monitor161.

In an illustrative embodiment, the monitor 161 is arranged to show avideo or a series of screen shots which walks a consumer through a wholehome illustrating to the consumer how colors for the rooms of the entirehome may be coordinated. In one embodiment, the display screen may betouch sensitive such that a consumer can scroll through or otherwiseselect subsequent screen shots or video segments.

A PPUI display 77 is illustrated in FIG. 16 and includes a rectangulararray comprising a number of color cards, e.g. 217, and five flowerpetal covered brochures, e.g. 219, disposed at selected positions withinthe display 77.

Another color center display embodiment 311 is shown in FIG. 17, whichmay be referred to as a single wall embodiment. The embodiment of FIG.17 includes a plurality of upper display areas 313, 315, 317, 319, 321,323 and a plurality of lower display sections 325, 327, 329, 331, 333,335, 337. The lower sections comprise a wood stain center (“EWCC”)display 325, a third party display 319, a core color center display 331,a color Kiosk 333, a premium plus paint and primer (PPUI) display 335and a third party display (Disney) 327.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 17, the upper display section313, 315, 317, 319 comprise four rectangular framed graphicpresentations, which may, for example, be themed to attract customerattention to attractively painted rooms. Such graphics may be, forexample, Duratron LED back lit graphics, static graphics or other typesin an illustrative embodiment.

FIGS. 18-21 show a structure or assembly for receiving and/or supportingthe various displays and graphics illustrated in FIG. 17. This structureincludes an elongated rectangular upper mounting surface 347, a crownsection 349 and an end section 351. Steel rail sections 353, 355, areemployed to hook or otherwise attach the rectangular upper section 347to respective upper and lower tubes 357, 359 (FIG. 18). The tubes 357,359 are supported and positioned by a number of standards 361 attachedto the rear walls of lower cabinets 363 . . . 379. As shown in FIG. 19,a standard 361 includes a vertical member 362 from which extends a lowerhorizontal support member 385, carrying a hook 386 at its end, and anupper support member 387 angled slightly downwardly to the horizontaland having an upper projecting pin 388 at its far end. The lowercabinets 363 . . . 379 provide surfaces which receive and mount therespective lower displays 325 . . . 337 of FIG. 16.

An illustrative embodiment of a core color center display 331 mounted onbase decks 332, 334 is shown in FIGS. 22-24. The core display 331 ofFIGS. 22-24 includes 3 flat screen television monitors 391, 392, 393,which may comprise, for example, LCD, Plasma, or LED flat screens. Thedisplay 331 further includes three scanner/monitors 395, which may beconstructed and function the same as the monitors 125 of FIG. 7. Asshown in FIG. 23, the core color center 331 includes a large number ofcolor cards, e.g. 397, disposed vertically in respective mounting slots,e.g. 398 in a main color card section 400. A number of collateralbrochures 401 are located near the central monitor 395.

Color cards 403 of a different format are located in four rectangulardisplay areas at opposite ends of the main color card section 400. Abrochure section 405 is located at the right end of the core centerdisplay 331, and is shown in more detail in FIG. 24.

An illustrative embodiment of a PPUI 409 is shown in FIG. 25. Thisembodiment includes a rectangular array comprising number of colorcards, e.g. 217, and six flower petal covered brochures, e.g. 219,disposed at selected positions within the display 77.

A color combo card which may serve, for example, as cards 403 is shownin FIG. 26. It includes three different colors: a main or body color 11,a trim color 13, and accent color 15, as well as an inspirationalgraphic 17. A horizontal dividing line 16 separates the body color 11and graphic 17 from the trim and accent colors 13, 15. A circulardividing line 18 separates the graphic 7 from the body 18 and the trimcolor 15. The three color shades on the card may be selected to beharmonizing colors that work together in a decorating scheme inspired bythe photo or graphic 17. The graphic 17 may be either photo from nature;a deco-related photo using furniture or textiles or room scenes; or alifestyle photo of people, place, animals activities from life. The cardfurther has slightly arcuate bottom and top edges and straight sideedges. Such cards may be fabricated of various material, such as forexample, sturdy paper stock.

FIG. 27 shows details of the Kiosk display section 333 including a frontplate 421 with video display screen and a lower panel section 423 ofarcuate contour preferably matching the contour of the upper contouredsection 349 of the Kiosk section 333. The modular structure of thesingle and double wall display embodiments allow the Kiosk unit andother units to be positioned at other locations in the display,

The scanners 127 are adapted to read a bar code on a color cardwhereafter the computer monitor electronics controlled by a computer andprogram storage media 128 (FIG. 28) may cause entry into a colorselection and coordination computer program application where theapplication may begin by causing video display of the color displayed onthe physical color card which was scanned. The application maythereafter enable performance of various color selection features,embodiments of which are disclosed, for example, in U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 12/610,192; 12/610,031; 12/128,582, 11/041,659,and 12/381,269 all incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

In one embodiment, two embedded stations or “pods”, each including acolor scanner, e.g. 127, and two 15 inch touch screen monitors areprovided in a manner similar to monitors 125 of FIG. 7. Above thesemonitors is positioned a digital signage screen, which may comprisethree 40 inch LCD monitors positioned, for example, as in FIG. 21. Thisscreen plays or displays an inspirational digital video “attract” loopabove the core palette to draw attention of consumers and others to thepalette display. In one embodiment, motion detectors may be positionedto sense where the consumer is in respect to the display and displaycolors on the monitors which are on cards adjacent to the consumer'slocation. The main Kiosk, e.g. 53, may comprise a 32 inch touchcapacitive screen 423, which is controlled by Kiosk display computerprogram application and displays various color selection relateddisplays and allows emailing and texting as hereafter described.

In another embodiment, separate computers and their associated memoryincluding program storage media may be employed to control each displayscreen/monitor 125, 161, 423. In one embodiment, only a “pod” screen 125and scanner 127 are employed with a computer interfacing with themonitor 125 and scanner 127 and with the computer running a podapplication program stored on associated computer readable storage mediaand configured to execute functionality and control display of variousdisplay screens, for example, as described in connection with FIGS.29-40 hereof. Such a computer and the computer(s) of other embodimentsmay be configured to communicate wirelessly with the Internet and/orother communication media, such as, for example, cell and smart phones.A computer may comprise one or more computers, microcontrollers,microprocessors, general or special purpose computers including but notlimited to, a computer dedicated to executing pod related colorselection and other functions as described herein.

In an illustrative embodiment, the web pages or display screenspresented by a “POD” computer program application on the “pods” 125, 127may include those shown and described in FIGS. 29-40. The displayscreens or web pages on the main Kiosk display may include those shownand described in FIGS. 41-63.

FIG. 29 illustrates a display screen 501 comprising an initial attractloop screen, which comprises part of an instructional attract loop for acustomer to follow to use the interactive “POD” application. FIG. 30illustrates an instructional page 503 for the customer to follow to usethe interactive application. This screen 503 appears after the attractloop screen 501 is touched. This screen 503 instructs the customer/userto find a color card 505 in the display module or core color center,e.g. 35 (FIG. 7) and to then scan the barcode, e.g. 504, on the back ofa color card and to thereafter view the color on the interactive screenby touching a button “3” or adjacent area in another embodiment on thescreen 503.

FIG. 31 illustrates a “quick preview” screen 505 which displays the barcode color scanned by the customer, which is displayed after thecustomer touches the button “3” of FIG. 30. An illustrative screen 505could also be presented automatically after scanning of a color asinstructed by screen 503. In one embodiment, the screen 505 allows thecustomer to scan another color to create a personal color palette 510by, for example, touching a “scan another color” area 517, tointeractively paint the previewed image 509 by touching “paint photo”area 513; to change the preview room to other rooms 515, 516, bytouching arrows 518, 519; to select a coordinating palette, e.g. 511, bytouching “coordinate colors”; to locate the colors chips in the ColorCenter by touching a “locate chips” area 514; to send the selected colorto an email address or cell phone by touching rectangle 520; or to quitthe interactive application or go back to the previous page or screen. Acoordinating palette 511 may comprise body, trim and accent colors.

FIG. 32 illustrates a selection screen 521 with options for the customerto change the room type for the color selected. When a user selects the“More Rooms” button 522 or the “Exteriors” button 523 on the screen 505of FIG. 31, the screen 521 appears. This screen 521 allows the customerto switch to another room type by touching a room type button, e.g. 524or to a home exterior by touching area 523, interactively paint thepreviewed image, change the preview room, select a coordinating palette,e.g. 511, locate the colors chips in the Color Center, send the selectedcolor to an email address or cell phone, or quit the interactiveapplication or go back to the previous page.

FIG. 33 illustrates a “paint photo” screen 525, which is displayed whenthe customer touches the “paint photo” area 513. This screen 525instructs the customer how to apply color to the selected room 526. Thisscreen 525 allows the customer to interactively paint the previewedimage 509, undo painted selections, clear all colors from the previewedimage, enlarge the previewed image, select additional colors to bepreviewed, locate the colors chips in the Color Center, send theselected color(s) to an email address or cell phone, or quit theinteractive application or go back to the previous page. In particular,the screen 525 instructs the customer via a guide arrow 527 to tap adesired color and then apply it to a desired area by touching a secondguide arrow 528. A third guide arrow 529 instructs the customer todouble tap a color button, e.g. 530, twice, in order to replace thecolor represented by the color represented by the button 530. Byemploying the arrows 527 and 528, the customer may, for example, paintthe walls 507, 508 of the room image 509 with the color represented bythe button 531, which may be, for example, “Aqua Spray.” In oneembodiment, the arrows 527, 528, 529 may be touch-slid to change theiroperative position on the screen 525 of FIG. 33.

FIG. 34 illustrates a “modify color” screen 535 with instructions forthe customer on how to modify a selected color. In one embodiment, thisscreen 535 is automatically generated when the customer taps the“replace color” arrow 529 on screen 525 of FIG. 33. In the illustrativeembodiment, the screen 535 presents a matrix or array of color squares,e.g. 537, each of which may represent a different shad or color. Thisscreen 535 allows the customer to select a new color by tapping asquare, e.g. 537, representing the new color or by scanning anothercolor by tapping area 542, or to change to one of eight color familiesby touching one of the color family select buttons, e.g. 538, or tocancel the modify color selection by touching “Cancel” 539. Afterchanging color families, a newly displayed square like square 537 may betapped to select a new color. After selection of a new color, the screen525 of FIG. 33 may then be redisplayed with the new color selection, forexample, by touching the “Back” area of the screen 535.

FIG. 35 illustrates a color chip screen 550 which shows a customer whereto find the physical color cards or chips carrying the selected colorsin the physical Color Center, e.g. 35 (FIG. 7). In the illustrativeembodiment, the screen 550 of FIG. 35 is automatically displayed whenthe customer touches the “locate chips” area 514 of any of the otherdisplay screens. As shown, a visual representation 552 of the colorcenter layout is provided with the four selected colors 553, 554, 555,556 arranged above it. In the illustrative embodiment, the displayscreen 550 “pin points” the precise location of each color chip in thephysical display, e.g. 35. The location of each of the colors 553, 554,555, 556 in the display may be pinpointed, for example, by solidhighlighted rectangle areas or highlighted borders around theappropriate rectangles 557, 558, 559, 560 in the display 552.

FIG. 36 illustrates a “send colors and image” screen 560, which givesthe customer the option to send his or her project (e.g. four selectedcolors and “painted” room image) by text message or email by touchingappropriate buttons 561, 562. FIG. 37 illustrates a text message screen565, which gives the customer the option to enter a phone number inorder to receive a text message that contains the project summary bytouching appropriate keys in a keypad 566. This screen allows thecustomer to enter the phone number, opt-in for news and special offersfrom the paint/coatings manufacturer or supplier, send the project,cancel the operation, or view the privacy policy. FIG. 38 illustrates atext message confirmation screen 570, which provides confirmation whenthe project has been sent.

FIG. 39 illustrates an email screen 575, which gives the customer theoption to enter his or her email address via touch keyboard 577 toreceive an email that contains the project summary. This screen allowsthe customer to enter a name and email address, opt-in for news andspecial offers from the paint/coatings manufacturer or supplier, sendthe project, cancel, or view the privacy policy. FIG. 40 illustrates anemail confirmation screen, which provides confirmation when the projecthas been sent.

FIG. 41 illustrates an illustrative informational attract loop screen610 employed to introduce the customer to the interactive applicationpresented and available at the kiosk terminal 333. This screen 610invites the customer to use a color selection application by touching anarea 611, find a specific color style by touching an area 612, learnabout products of the paint/coatings manufacturer or supplier bytouching an area 613, and view how-to video clips by touching a screenarea 614.

FIG. 42 illustrates a “how-to” featured video screen 620 generated whena customer/user touches area 614 of FIG. 41. This screen 620 enables thecustomer to view interior and exterior “how-to” videos by project typeby touching appropriate buttons, save a selected video to awebsite-stored workbook, send the video to an email address or a cellphone, or switch to another interactive category.

FIG. 43 illustrates a “send video” screen 630 enabling the customer toelect to send a link to a selected video through text message or email,or cancel out of the selection. FIG. 44 illustrates a text messagescreen 640 which allows the customer the option to enter a phone numberto send the video link, and/or opt-in for manufacturer news and specialoffers, or cancel out of this selection. FIG. 45 illustrates a textmessage confirmation screen 646, which provides confirmation that thevideo link (and other information, if requested) has been sent.

FIG. 46 illustrates an email screen 650 which allows the customer toenter a name and email address to receive the video information, opt-infor news and special offers, send the video link, or cancel out of theselection. FIG. 47 illustrates an email confirmation screen 655, whichprovides confirmation when the video link has been sent.

FIG. 48 illustrates a product categories screen 660 generated when thecustomer/user touches the area 613 of FIG. 41. This screen 660 enablesthe customer to select a Product Category by touching a button in areas661, 663, take a quiz to find the right product to use for a project bytouching area 664, find out about the Weekly Featured Product bytouching area 665, see a product comparison by touching area 667, orswitch to another interactive category by touching one of three areas,“scan”, “style” or “how to” along the bottom edge of the screen 660.FIG. 49 illustrates an ultra interior paints screen 670, which allowsthe customer to select the a paint product that he or she would like tolearn about.

FIG. 50 illustrates a premium plus ultra interior eggshell enamel screen675, which allows the customer to touch respective areas to read anoverview about a specific product selected on screen 670, switch toother features about the specific product, go back to the previous page,save the product information on a website storage facility, or send aPDF version of the product information through text message or email.

FIG. 51 illustrates a premium plus ultra eggshell enamel “where to use”screen 680, which allows the customer to touch respective areas toenable the customer to read the suggested areas where the product can beapplied, switch to other features about the specific product, go back tothe previous page, save the product information to a paintmanufacturer's website storage facility, or send a PDF version of theproduct information through text message or email, for example, by usingscreens similar to those shown in FIGS. 43 to 47.

FIG. 52 illustrates a premium plus ultra eggshell enamel applicationscreen 685, which allows the customer to touch respective areas toenable the customer to read the suggested process for applying theproduct, switch to other features about the specific product, go back tothe previous page, save the product information to a website storagefacility, send a PDF version of the product information through textmessage or email.

FIGS. 53-58 illustrate screens of an illustrative product quiz, whichmay be presented after the customer touches the “take a fun quiz” area644 of the screen of FIG. 48. FIG. 53 illustrates a screen 686, whichasks the first question for the product finder quiz: “Which product isright for me?” This screen 686 enables the customer to determine if theproject is interior or exterior, switch to the product comparisonapplication, find out about the Weekly Featured Product, and switch toanother interactive category by touching respective touch sensitiveareas of the display 686.

FIG. 54 illustrates a room screen 690, which represents the secondquestion for the product finder quiz. This screen 690 enables thecustomer to determine the interior location for the project, switch tothe product comparison application, find out about the Weekly FeaturedProduct, or switch to another interactive category by touchingrespective touch sensitive areas of the display 690.

FIG. 55 illustrates a room features screen 695, which represents thethird question for the product finder quiz. This screen 695 enables thecustomer to determine the nature and condition of the interior project,switch to the product comparison application, find out about the WeeklyFeatured Product, and switch to another interactive category by touchingrespective areas of the screen 695.

FIG. 56 illustrates a sheen selection screen 700, which represents thefourth question for the product finder quiz. This screen 700 enables thecustomer to determine the desired sheen finish for the interior project,switch to the product comparison application, find out about the WeeklyFeatured Product, or switch to another interactive category by touchingrespective touch sensitive areas of the screen 700.

FIG. 57 illustrates a paint requirements screen 705 for the productfinder quiz. This screen 705 enables the customer to determine thecorrect proportion between budget and time for the interior project by,for example, moving the circle or “cursor” on a horizontal line having“budget” at one end and “time” at the other, switch to the productcomparison application, find out about the Weekly Featured Product, orswitch to another interactive category by touching respective touchsensitive areas of the screen 705.

FIG. 58 illustrates a paint recommendations screen 710, which providesthe result or “answers” for the product finder quiz. This screen 710allows the customer to view the recommended product. It further enablesthe customer to save the results to a website, send the result by textmessage or email, switch to the product comparison application, find outabout the Weekly Featured Product, or switch to another interactivecategory by touching respective areas of the display screen 710.

FIG. 59 illustrates a “find my style” screen 715 which may be generatedwhen the customer touch selected area 612 of FIG. 41, and which is thefirst selection for the Style Finder. This screen 715 enables thecustomer to touch-select an image that they prefer from images 716, 717,718, 719, switch to the 2010 Color Trends guide, switch to the styleguide, and switch to another interactive category by touching respectivetouch sensitive areas of the screen 715.

FIG. 60 illustrates a second “find my style” screen 720, which is thesecond selection for the Style Finder. This screen displays the image719 selected in screen 715 and enables the customer to select anotherimage that they prefer from images 721, 722, 723, or 724, switch to 2010Color Trends guide, switch to the style guide, or switch to anotherinteractive category, again by touching respective areas of the screen720.

FIG. 61 illustrates a third “find my style” screen 728, which is thethird selection for the Style Finder. This screen 728 enables thecustomer to select a third image that they prefer from images 729, 730,731, or 734, switch to the 2010 Color Trends guide, switch to the styleguide, or switch to another interactive category by appropriate touchselection.

FIG. 62 illustrates a “find my style” results screen 736, which providesthe style results for the style finder. This screen allows the customerto view the style that they have chosen, save the results to a website,send the result by text message or email, switch to the 2010 ColorTrends guide, switch to the style guide, switch to another interactivecategory by appropriate touch selection.

FIG. 63 illustrates a “modern style” screen 740, which allows thecustomer to view the style that they have chosen, and by appropriatetouches, view different images that represent the selected style, viewthe associated design elements for the previewed image, drag favoriteimages to the top of the screen to save on a website or send by textmessage or email, save the results to a website, send the results bytext message or email, view different style categories for the interiorand the exterior, switch to the 2010 Color Trends guide, switch to thestyle guide, switch to the style finder, or switch to anotherinteractive category.

The illustrative embodiment screens or web pages and functionality ofFIGS. 29 to 63 may be implemented in an application program orapplication programs which may be written in, for example, Java, LaszloPresentation Server or C++ and, which may run, for example, on a WindowsXP or other operating system. The application may be based locally, suchas in memory located in a kiosk or may be accessed over one or morecommunication links, such as from a server over the internet.

It will be further appreciated that the computer program applicationsdescribed herein are stored on computer readable storage media whichtangibly stores thereon computer readable instructions. For the purposesof this disclosure a computer readable medium stores computer data,which data can include computer program code that is executable by acomputer, in machine readable form. By way of example, and notlimitation, a computer readable medium may comprise computer readablestorage media, for tangible or fixed storage of data, or communicationmedia for transient interpretation of code-containing signals. Computerreadable media, as used herein, refers to physical or tangible storage(as opposed to signals) and includes without limitation volatile andnon-volatile, removable and non-removable storage media implemented inany method or technology for the tangible storage of information such ascomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data. Computer readable storage media includes, but is not limitedto, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memorytechnology, CD-ROM, DVD or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other physical or material medium, which can be used to tangiblystore the desired information or data or instructions and which can beaccessed by a computer or processor.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations andmodifications of the just described preferred embodiment can beconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appendedclaims, the invention may be practiced other than as specificallydescribed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display unit comprising: a plurality of displaymodules arranged in a single row and having an upper display section anda lower display section; one of the display modules comprising at leastone computer controlled card reading video station located among aplurality of manually manipulable coded paint color sample cards andconfigured such that a consumer may pass one of the coded paint colorsample cards past a code reader and thereafter be presented with avisual display of a color present on the coded paint sample cardfollowed by a selectable sequence of video display screens comprisingpart of an application program configured to assist a user in selectionof one or more paint colors not specified on the coded paint colorsample card.
 2. The display unit of claim 1 wherein one of said displaymodules comprises a Kiosk, the Kiosk comprising a touch sensitiveinteractive display screen configured to enable a user to selectivelyaccess a plurality of color selection and/or message transmissionfeatures.
 3. The display unit of claim 2 wherein one of the displaymodules includes a color combo card having a main color, a trim colorand an accent color and an inspirational graphic.
 4. The display unit ofclaim 3 wherein a third of the display modules comprises a whole homedisplay comprising a computer controlled video monitor configured toenable a consumer to visually walk through selected rooms of a home andillustrating how colors for the rooms of the home may be coordinated. 5.The display unit of claim 4 wherein said sequence of video screenscomprises a first display screen displaying an image of a room andconfigured to enable a selected color to be applied to a selected areaof the room image through a plurality of touch-select operationsperformed with respect to said first display screen.
 6. The display unitof claim 5 wherein said sequence of video screens comprises a seconddisplay screen depicting a plurality of color families and enabling auser to select another color to replace a previously displayed color. 7.The display unit of claim 6 wherein said sequence of video screensfurther comprises a plurality of display screens enabling a projectsummary to be sent by email or by text message respectively to one of adesignated address or a designated phone number.
 8. Apparatuscomprising: an array of manually manipulable coded paint sample cards;and at least one computer controlled card reading video station locatedin said array of coded paint sample cards and configured such that auser may pass a selected one of the coded paint sample cards past a codereader and thereafter be presented with a visual display of a colorpresent on the selected sample card followed by a selectable sequence ofvideo display screens comprising part of an application programconfigured to enable a user to select one or more paint colors notspecified on said coded paint sample card.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8wherein said video station comprises a touch sensitive interactivedisplay screen configured to enable a user to selectively access aplurality of color selection and/or message transmission features. 10.The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said coded paint sample cards comprisepart of a display further including a color combo card having a maincolor, a trim color and an accent color and an inspirational graphic.11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said sequence of video screenscomprises a first display screen displaying an image of a room andconfigured to enable a selected color to be applied to a selected areaof the room image through a plurality of touch-select operationsperformed with respect to said first display screen.
 12. The apparatusof claim 11 wherein said sequence of video display screens comprises asecond display screen depicting a plurality of color families andconfigured to enable a user to select another color to replace a colorpreviously displayed on said first display screen.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 12 wherein said sequence of video screens further comprises aplurality of display screens configured to enable a project summary tobe sent by email or by text message respectively to a designated addressor phone number.
 14. Display apparatus comprising: a display comprisingan array of manually manipulable coded paint sample cards; aninteractive card reading video station positioned in or adjacent to saiddisplay and having a touch sensitive visual display screen, the videostation being configured to read a code present on one of said codedpaint sample cards; a computer configured to control said card readingvideo station and to cause display on said visual display of a colorpresent on a said coded paint sample card in response to reading of saidcode and to provide a selectable sequence of display screens on saidtouch sensitive visual display screen, said selectable sequence ofdisplay screens comprising part of an application program enabling colorselection.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said sequence comprisesa first display screen displaying an image of a room and configured toenable a selected color to be applied to a selected area of the roomimage through a plurality of touch-select operations performed withrespect to said first display screen.
 16. The display apparatus of claim15 wherein each said display screen comprises a touch sensitiveinteractive display screen.
 17. The display apparatus of claim 16wherein said display screens further comprise a third display screendepicting a plurality of color families and configured to enable a userto select another color to replace a color previously displayed on saidfirst display screen.
 18. The display apparatus of claim 17 furthercomprising a plurality of display screens configured to enable a projectsummary to be sent by email or by text message respectively to adesignated address or phone number.
 19. Display apparatus comprising: adisplay comprising an array of manually manipulable coded paint samplecards; an interactive card reading video station having a touchsensitive visual display screen, the station being configured to read acode present on one of said coded paint sample cards; a computerconfigured to control said card reading video station and to: (a) causedisplay on said visual display screen of a color represented by saidcode in response to reading of said code; (b) display a first imagecomprising one of a first room type or a first home exterior type, (c)interactively paint the first image, (d) change the first image to asecond image, the second image comprising one of a second different roomtype or a second different home exterior type, and (e) interactivelypaint the second image.
 20. The display apparatus of claim 19 whereinsaid computer is further configured to cause display on said visualdisplay screen of a display wherein touching a pre-determined area ofthe display causes display of an array of colored areas, each area ofthe array being colored a color which is different from that of each ofthe other colored areas of the array, said display further enabling auser to touch one of said colored areas and apply the color of that areato an image comprising one of a room or a house exterior.
 21. Displayapparatus comprising: a display comprising an array of manuallymanipulable coded paint sample cards; an interactive card reading videostation having a touch sensitive visual display screen, the videostation being configured to read a code present on one of said codedpaint sample cards; and a computer configured to control said cardreading video station and to: (a) cause display on said visual displayof a color present on a said coded paint sample card in response toreading of said code and (b) to provide a selectable sequence of displayscreens on said touch sensitive visual display, said selectable sequenceof display screens comprising a first display screen enabling a user totouch a selected color displayed on said first display screen andthereafter apply that selected color to a selected area of an image alsodisplayed on the first display screen by touching the selected area ofthe first display screen to which the selected color is to be applied.22. The display apparatus of claim 21 wherein said display screenscomprise a second display screen wherein touching a pre-determined areaof said second display screen causes display of an array of coloredareas, each area of the array being colored a color which is differentfrom that of each of the other colored areas of the array, said seconddisplay screen further enabling a user to touch one of said coloredareas and apply the color of that area to an image.